Nearly 30 Mayors from across Florida, including Mayors from every major metro area, have signed onto a letter supporting the continued use of the F-35 Lightning II, which has faced criticism over software bugs and delayed upgrades .

The letter, sent to U.S. Sen. Rick Scott , highlights the fifth-generation fighter jets’ economic impact on the state, noting that “the presence of F-35 facilities and the associated supply chain” creates $21 billion in economic impact each year in Florida.

While criticisms have been leveled, the F-35, flown since 2006, is the cornerstone of the defense manufacturing industry, with a $72 billion economic impact across the U.S.

Florida’s economic impact related to the fighter jets represents a significant share of the impact nationwide. That’s largely

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